Facebook drops facial-recognition photo tagging tool in Europe

Facebook has suspended the use of the photo tagging facial-recognition tool that users take advantage of when tagging new photos uploaded to the site.

The move is part of Facebook's ongoing effort to follow the changes recommended by the Data Protection Commissioner of Ireland, Billy Hawkes, last year. Hawkes said he was encouraged by the move, which will take place on October 15th.

If you are not a registered Facebook users but are looking to sign up, the tool is already unavailable to you.

Hawkes adds: "Facebook is sending a clear signal of its wish to demonstrate its commitment to best practice in data protection compliance."

Facebook added comment about the upcoming move: "The EU has looked at the issue of securing consent for this kind of technology and issued new guidance. Our intention is to reinstate the tag-suggest feature, but consistent with new guidelines. The service will need a different form of notice and consent."